Darlene was born 5 March, 1933 in Shale City, Illinois, to Ray C. Holt and Mary L. King Holt. She graduated from Aledo Community High School Class of 1951. Later on 23 December, 1951 she married Wesley M. Wisely, in Urbana, Champaign County, Illinois. Wesley passed away in 2002 in California.

She is survived by her sons, Gregory, of Texas and Brian, of California and her Daughter Karrin, of California. Five Grandsons and one Granddaughter. Her sister Maryjane (Fulscher) of Rossville, Illinois, Brothers Jerry of Yoakum, Texas, Lannie of Bangor, Maine, Lonnie of Welaka, Florida and Jackie of Gilbert, South Carolina. Five sisters-in law and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Barbara (Doyle), Brothers, Raymond, Paul, Ernest, Charles, Jimmy, three nephews and two nieces.